What is Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (Lumbar ESI)?
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (Lumbar ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate pain in the lower back and legs caused by inflammation of the spinal nerves. This procedure involves injecting a combination of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic into the epidural space of the lumbar spine. Lumbar ESI can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from various lower back conditions.
Why Might You Need Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
Lumbar ESI may be recommended if you experience:
- Herniated Disc: Pain from a disc that has slipped or ruptured in the lower back.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression.
- Sciatica: Pain radiating from the lower back down the legs due to nerve irritation.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related changes in the discs causing chronic back pain.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, causing pain.
What Are the Steps in a
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure?
Preoperative Preparation
- Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive review of your medical history, symptoms, and previous treatments.
- Diagnostic Imaging: MRI or CT scans to identify the source and extent of nerve inflammation.
- Informed Consent: Detailed discussion of the procedure, potential benefits, and risks.
During the Procedure
- Patient Positioning: You will be comfortably positioned to allow easy access to the lumbar spine.
- Local Anesthesia: The area around the injection site will be numbed to minimize discomfort.
- Guided Injection: Using imaging technology like fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the needle is precisely positioned in the epidural space.
- Injection Process: The corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture is injected into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and pain.
Postoperative Care
- Observation: Brief period of monitoring after the injection to ensure there are no immediate side effects.
- Activity Guidelines: Recommendations on limiting activity for a short period to allow the medication to take effect.
- Pain Relief: Pain relief can begin within a few days, although full benefits may take up to a week to be realized.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Postoperative Care
- Immediate Effects: Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility shortly after the injection.
- Pain Monitoring: Keeping a diary of pain levels to track the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduled to assess your response to the injection and plan any further treatments if necessary.
Potential Complications
While Lumbar ESI is generally safe, potential complications can include:
- Infection: Risk of infection at the injection site.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding or bruising may occur.
- Nerve Damage: Rare but possible risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage.
- Allergic Reaction: Rare but possible allergic reaction to the injected medication.
Benefits of Peripheral Nerve Injections in Pain Management
- Significant Pain Relief: Rapid reduction in lower back and leg pain levels.
- Improved Mobility: Enhanced ability to move and perform daily activities.
- Reduced Inflammation: Targeted treatment to decrease inflammation in the lumbar spine.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Improved overall well-being and ability to engage in physical and social activities.
Find a Pain Management Surgeon
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MENDELSON KORNBLUM PAIN MANAGEMENT - LIVONIA
For appointments contact
Scheduling:Â 855.750.5757
For billing questions
Billing: 586.439.6242
Fax: 734.542.0220
MENDELSON KORNBLUMÂ PAIN MANAGEMENT - WARREN
For appointments contact
Scheduling:Â 855.750.5757
For billing questions
Billing: 586.439.6242
Fax: 586.261.1961
Fax (Pain Management): 586.838.1603
MENDELSON KORNBLUMÂ PAIN MANAGEMENT- STERLING HEIGHTS
For appointments contact
Scheduling:Â 855.750.5757